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What a great time we had at The Birth Center Family Reunion today! It
was so much fun planning this awesome event and so great to connect with
other moms a bit. Benji and Ivy had a blast with the arts and crafts
table, Gymboree and playing with the other kids. I was so happy that a
number of The Birth Center staff made it out including the director
Cynthia Flynn! Open Connections was such a wonderful place to hold it.
Yay for a all-over great event today.-Aliza

Benefits of labor support:
Decreased medical intervention in labor*
Reduces need for cesarean by 50%
Reduces length of labor by 25%
Reduces use of oxytocin by 40%
Reduces pain medication use by 30%
Reduces the need for forceps by 40%
Reduces epidural requests by 60%
6 weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were
Less anxious and depressed
Had more confidence with baby
More satisfied w/ partner (71% vs 30%)
More likely to be breastfeeding (52% vs. 29%)

Many people are familiar with a Baby Nurse, but not as familiar with the term Postpartum Doula. They are very similar, only the postpartum doula has expertise and training in not ONLY baby care, but also has professional training in the specific physical and emotional needs of the newly postpartum mother. This means that a postpartum doula is able to care for the very special needs the the postpartum mother has, both vaginal birth recovery and cesarean section birth recovery. We provide both DAY and OVERNIGHT care.

International Doula Institute defines a postpartum doula as a professional support person trained in the needs of the family in the days, weeks and months after birth or the addition of a new baby. The doula offers non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence based education and practical hands-on support immediately after birth through the first year. Doula originates from the Greek word meaning woman servant.

A postpartum doula will do everything to educate and care for the mom, partner, baby, home and siblings. We help your home run smoothly as you make this transition, from laundry, dishes, light housework, meal preparation, food shopping, sibling support and guidance, to education, and newborn care overnight to help you get well rested for the next day.

Tasks of a postpartum doula:

-Assessing the needs of the family -Providing Recommendations and Referrals -Emotional Support of the individuals parenting choices-Encouragement and positive affirmations-Newborn care hands-on education and care including:

Normal newborn behavior

Newborn appearance

Sleep habits

Feeding

Bathing

Dressing Baby

When to call the doctor

And so much more

-Breastfeeding counseling

Advanced breastfeeding education

Help knowing what is normal or when you need specialized care

Help with comfortable positions for mom and baby

Establishing helpful routines

Establishing a good latch

Establishing a good milk supply

Learning to use your pump

Proper milk storage

-Preparation of bottles and washing/cleaning/sterilizing-Assuring a safe environment-Cord and circumcision care-Screening for PPMD's-Establishing routine -Organizing the nursery -Light house work-Sibling education and transition-Care of big siblings-Creating shopping lists-Food shopping-Meal preparation

If you choose to meet with our dietician, the two of you will come up with a specialized meal plan designed for your specific needs taking into consideration postpartum needs and breastfeeding needs, this consultation will include recipes that your doula will be familiar with and follow)

Package 1: Get you Through the First Year with Ease and Confidence

What you get:

A primary doula that you interview and choose(with our help) and two secondary doulas assigned to you. This doula blocks off space in her schedule and is on call 2 weeks before your estimated due date(or more depending on special circumstances, such as multiples).

A postpartum planning session including a needs assessment lasting one hour with your primary doula. You meet your postpartum doula before the birth of your baby to establish a relationship, discuss the special needs of your family and develop a postpartum plan. This meeting usually lasts 1 hour and is included for free with the purchase of all packages.

Postpartum doula support for a minimum of 12 week and up to the first year for between 40hrs per week and up to 24 hrs a day. Live in care available.

(Optional: Full or part time mature babysitter care during the day and doulas at night available AFTER 12 weeks of age)

Shifts available:

Overnight 10pm-8am or 8pm-8am

Day time 8am-4pm, 4pm-10pm

Package 2: The Full Postpartum Period

What you get:

A primary doula that you interview and choose(with our help) and a secondary doula for hours over 40 per week. This doula blocks off space in her schedule and is on call 2 weeks before your estimated due date(or more depending on special circumstances, such as multiples).

A postpartum planning session including a needs assessment lasting one hour with your primary doula. You meet your postpartum doula before the birth of your baby to establish a relationship, discuss the special needs of your family and develop a postpartum plan. This meeting usually lasts 1 hour and is included for free with the purchase of all packages.

Postpartum doula support for a minimum of 6 weeks and up to 12 weeks for between 40hrs per week and up to 70hrs per week.

Shifts available:

Overnight 10pm-8am or 8pm-8am

Day time 8am-4pm or 4pm-10pm

Package 3: The First Weeks

What you get:

A primary doula that you interview and choose(with our help) and a secondary doula for hours over 40 per week. This doula blocks off space in her schedule and is on call 2 weeks before your estimated due date(or more depending on special circumstances, such as multiples).

A postpartum planning session including a needs assessment lasting one hour with your primary doula. You meet your postpartum doula before the birth of your baby to establish a relationship, discuss the special needs of your family and develop a postpartum plan. This meeting usually lasts 1 hour and is included for free with the purchase of all packages.

Postpartum doula support for a minimum of 2 and up to 6 weeks for between 40hrs per week and up to 70hrs per week.

Shifts available:

Overnight 10pm-8am or 8pm-8am

Day time 8am-4pm or 4pm-10pm

Package 4: The Basics

What you get:

The on-call doula available to do everything a doula does, from education, breastfeeding support, to nurturing, to laundry and dishes and light housework.

Minimum of just 4hrs per week.

Shifts available:

Flexible to your needs based on availability when baby arrives.

Package 5: Help, We Didn't Plan Ahead!

We designed this package specifically for the families that call us that have suddenly realized their need for extra support after the birth of their baby. Typically families will book our services in the second and third trimester. But sometimes families don't realize how much they really want or need our services until after their baby is born. This is the package for you. We may even be able to arrive the same day you contact us! We CANNOT guarantee availability at any given time. Please call immediately to check availability for your desired hours.Text or call now for more info or to see if a doula can come tonight: 484-802-6100

The primary role of a doula during birth is to provide continuous support. It just amazes me the benefits that have been found by just having that continuous support in which the care taker does not leave moms side. I've posted this before, but it's just worth posting again. The Cochrane review did a great study which discovered these wonderful benefits of the continous support, it can be found here: http://childbirthconnection.org/pdfs/continuous_support.pdf

Last night was the Freedom for Birth Global Premier screening hosted by Main Line Doulas. We had a really wonderful time. We discussed the film a bit, and then the evening turned into an impromptu birth story circle. Multiple generations were represented from my grandma and mother, down to a mother and her 19 year old daughter to new moms. It was wonderful to share our birth stories with mother/daughter present as well as women who have not gone into motherhood yet. Thank you everyone who came out for a wonderful evening.

Will you be attending a baby shower soon? The belly cast is one of the most memorable shower gifts you could give your friend. Sure, the diapers, cute clothes and baby swing are useful, but they will be used up and gone very shortly after baby arrives.

A professionally done belly cast or belly bowl will last a lifetime and be a cherished piece of art for the entire family. Your friend will remember your gift forever, what a great way to honor your relationship with her and give her something that truly honors and recognizes her.

People often ask me about giving birth doula services as a baby shower gift or blessingway gift. Although this would be a wonderful gift, it would not be appropriate to purchase my doula services without first having a consultation with mom. If you are considering giving the priceless gift of a birth doula, first talk to the special mom-to-be in your life, and then we can discuss setting up a private consultation for your friend and I.

I wrote a post a few weeks ago about my belly casts. In addition to the belly casts, I also do Belly Bowls. The process is very similar to the complete belly cast, only the end result is slightly different: a bowl! And it sure does come out beautifully. It's perfect for someone in a smaller home who doesn't have the space for the full belly cast to display on their wall. I create the belly bowl cast in the comfort of my home studio in Bryn Mawr. Clients come from all over including but not limited to Philadelphia, Wynnewood (near Lankenau Hospital) Merion, Ardmore, Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, Media, Springfield, Riddle, Bryn Mawr, Wayne, Paoli, Roxborough, and surrounding areas.

Please email me at mainlinedoulas@gmail.com or call 484-802-6100 to set up an appointment for your belly bowl.

Cost for Raw Belly Bowl: $129

Nesting Bowls
Capture the beautiful progression of your growing belly. This is a series of 3 casting sessions done at 22 weeks, 30 weeks and 38 weeks. Cost for Raw Nesting Bowls: $299

I am so excited to become a certified breastfeeding counselor! We meet in King of Prussia and there are 7 other women in the class coming from South Philly, Roxborough, West Chester, Hatboro and a few other areas I can't think of right now.

Today I attended the Improving Birth Philadelphia Rally right in Center City Philly at Independence Hall. The purpose of this rally was to create awareness regarding the need for change in currently accepted birth practices that are not evidence based.

I had a wonderful time connecting with other doulas, midwives, birth activists and their children. My daughter Ivy attended with me!! I hope to have some photos soon of this wonderful event that is improving birth.

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For Same Day Service Call Now

Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed? Although planning ahead is ideal, it doesn't always happen. We pride ourselves in being able to accommodate last minute needs. For last minute, SAME DAY SERVICE call now. 484-802-6100484-802-6100Our Mission:

Our mission at Main Line Doulas is to provide the highest quality dependable care to families during pregnancy, childbirth and in the weeks and months after. Our comprehensive approach to childbirth and aftercare starts by recognizing that no two families are alike. We bring comfort and peace of mind to you and your family by creating a specific plan that meets your needs. Whether it's days, nights, weekends or last minute care, our dedicated, professional staff will be here to nurture you, so you can nurture the ones you love. Become a strong, confident new parent with the help of a doula by your side.

Disclaimer:The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.